Zinfandel Wine Information Blog

First things first, wine is a kind of beverage - specifically the alcoholic kind - that is produced via fermenting grapes or other types of fruits such as elderberry, plum or blackcurrant.

Wines that are not made from grapes are called country or fruit wine, and those that are made largely from materials such as starch come out as rice wine, barley wine or sake.

Take note that beverages that come from other materials that are fermentable, such as honey, are not really wines.

Basically, wines are produced from one variety (or probably more) of the species Vitis vinifera from Europe. A varietal is produced when one of the varities like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot are used predominantly (between 75-85% minimum).

Believe it or not, wines that are blended are not inferior to varietals. A lot of winemakers all over the world use multiple varieties of grapes in order to produce different wines. The following are different types of wine and varieties you may encounter in your wine-tasting adventure.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a variety that is considered as most famous among the producers of red wine. The best one comes from France in Bordeaux. However, there are already areas in the US that produce wines that are just as great-tasting in their complexity and richness and they are usually in California specifically in Napa Valley.

Chardonnay

This has been considered as the white dry wine that is most purchased all over the world. Chardonnay is actually grown in many parts of the world. This type of wine is aged inside barrels of oak resulting in an aroma and flavor that is strong and rich. This type of wine has a character that tastes fruity and has buttery and vanilla components.

Chenin Blanc

This type of wine has been considered as common and cheap. The grapes used for this wine are grown widely in the United States, specifically California. This wine is also fruity and blends well with the more popular Chardonnay thus adding to its acidity and fruity quality.

Grenache

This is considered as the grape plant variety that is most planted. Grenache actually tastes sweet but does not have much character unless if it is vinnified well. This variety is usually grown in areas where there is drought and heat that is quite extreme.

Merlot

This type of wine is ranked along the same lines as Cabernet Sauvignon, but it has more lush. Merlot's flavor is actually full-bodied with various flavors available such as plum, cherry, chocolate.

Pinot Blanc

This type produces a dry, soft and fruity white wine the taste of which is compared with Chardonnay. Pinot Blanc actually has tasteful hints of spice and apple and has a high acidity. Unfortunately, Pinot Blanc does not age very well and is less complicated that Chardonnay.

Pinot Gris

The grape used for this wine is brown in color and is quite successful in a place called Oregon. This wine is white and is crisp and dry with a rich spicy flavor.

Pinot Noir

This grape is considered as one of the premier ones in France, specifically in the region of Burgundy. This grape, though a bit difficult to grow, when grown well actually tastes complex and rich. It tastes more like raspberries, cherries, mint.

Riesling

Considered as a great wine among the other wines in the world, Reisling need to grow in one of the cool climates such as Germany. Its acidity is quite high and is very fruity and floral in taste. This wine ages well.

Semillon

This type of wine comes from white grapes that contains acidity that is quite low and has a roundness that is peachy. This wine partners well with Sauvignon Blanc. This is an inexpensive wine.

White Zinfandel

This wine is light blush pink in color and is usually made in the United States, specifically in California. The grapes called Zinfandel are red in color and is separated quickly from the skins when they are crushed and fermented. This results in a wine that is light pink in color. Zinfandel white grapes are made in a style that is sweet in order to balance it with the grape's acidity.

All in all, wines will always be available for those who value its exquisite taste, flavor, aroma and the process it goes through just to make it exquisite for the palate.

Production: 9,060 cases Blend: 94% Shiraz/6% Cabernet Sauvignon "Although huge, phenomenally rich, and pure, the 1982 appeared less concentrated than the monster 1981. Nevertheless, this is no shy wine. Its weight and richness rival anything from California. However, the 1982 possesses more poise and, dare I say it, elegance than other Grange vintages. The color remains an opaque ruby/purple, and the nose offers up sweet aromas of berries, vanilla, toast, and herbs. Intense, full-bodied, unctuously-textured, and moderately tannic, this youthful tasting Grange Hermitage will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring; it should keep for at least 15 more years." -Robert Parker - RP Rating: 95 "A rich and extremely complex wine. (Subject to availability) PNG82 PNG82

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:22:43 -0800
Nothing says holiday cheer like receiving the perfect gift! This feminine martini glass is hand painted with all the trappings of a shopping trip…shoes, bags and baubles of all sorts. Inspired by “shopping addicts” everywhere, this glass is perfect for your lovable shopaholic, like, um, me! I received one of the martini glasses in the mail today, and I am beside myself. I hope to soon build up my collection. On the bottom of the glass you will find a soothing cocktail recipe just right after

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:17:02 -0800
Now, we know what you wine enthusiasts have always desired for. Yeah, it sure comes second to good quality wines but still a very sought after item. We are talking about the new wine preserver called Enthusiast 4 Bottle Winekeeper out in the markets and online shopping marts. The little magical box ensures a matchless wine drinking experience. And it will turn out to be an indespensable item for all your wine and cheese sessions with family and friends. It dispenses your wine through indivi

Wine racks come in all shapes and sizes and if space is a problem, a tall wine rack might be the solution. It seems that in today's society, architectural designs are reflecting the desire for openness. This translates into vaulted ceilings in your home. Although beautiful, the space is often wasted. Not the case with one of the quality tall wine racks.

Tall wine racks are generally grouped together under the category of instant cellars, wall mounted wine racks or custom wine racks. They are made out of high grade, close-grained wood, with is very sturdy. They can be stained or painted to match the existing d?cor or color palette.

A tall wine rack would look classy behind the bar. Several tall wine racks can be combined to great a storage facility or only two separated by a counter to create you bar. You decide. Only you know what your needs and desires are and by perusing one of the many customizable tall wine racks on the market, you will find what you're looking for.

Taller wine racks sometimes need to be mounted to a weight-bearing wall. One bottle is heavy; hundreds of bottles can spell disaster to an owner who has not purchased the proper wine rack to store his collection. By mounting your tall wine racks to the wall, you stabilize the unit. In the event of a minor tremor, or jolt -- especially if you live in earthquake prone areas -- the wine rack will protect your collection as long as the wall remains uncompromised.

Wine racks come in all shapes, sizes and colors. A tall wine rack might be the right purchase of your home if you have high ceilings. Without tying up necessary floor space, a taller wine racks allow you to store as many bottles as you need in a relatively small about of ground surface area. Furthermore, if floor space is a problem, you might check into one of our other wall-mounted units that do not need to be resting on the floor. Tall or small, you can find anything at all when it comes to wine racks nowadays.

This will be like no other Vouvray you have ever tried. Exquisite fruity Chenin blanc with complexity and clean, bright acidity that is unknown from most producers. This is certainly a premium wine that will find a very big audience. The "Cuvee Adrien" is the top wine from Le Capitaine. VCA04 VCA04

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:12:01 -0800
When you sit there with a glass of mulled wine this Christmas, think about what a great technology year 2008 has been. Consider the technological advances that have underpinned your favorite products. Where would we be without the following...

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:58:48 -0800
Two years ago I was patron of casino. I played in traditional casino one or two and even three times a week. It was really good spending my free time, I thought. I had the same order of day. Every day, that I have planned to play casino, I went to a restaurant after work, I had a dinner with two glasses of wine and then I was going to a casino.

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:27:42 -0800
This is a regular Riedel varietal wine glass with the stem removed. We use them daily and like them because they take up less space in the dishwasher and seem somewhat less likely to tip over on the table. A friend thinks they are too fragile but we have lost only two in two years,

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:32:36 -0800
Kissing under the mistletoe after a glass of wine at a friend’s holiday party? Good. Making out in the supply closet after getting trashed on rum and Diet Coke at the office bash? Bad. Very bad.